Last Season: 12-1, 5A state champion
Salina Central enters 2026 as one of the top teams in 5A after going 12-1 and beating Basehor-Linwood 51-34 for the state title last season. Mark Sandbo’s Mustangs return only four starters on each side, but they still bring back 21 lettermen and an elite quarterback, so the ceiling remains high.
The offense should again be dangerous in the spread because Griffin Hall returns after throwing for 1,827 yards and 29 touchdowns with just two interceptions while also rushing for 982 yards and nine more scores. Salina Central also brings back three of five offensive linemen from a group that averaged more than 300 rushing yards per game, with Warrick VanBlaricon and Parker Pinks among the key returners.
Defensively, the Mustangs believe their athleticism on the back end is a strength, and players like Trae Wise, Eli Kreighbaum and Alex Garcia provide proven playmaking ability. The team goals are clear: beat Salina South in the opener, win AVCTL-II and keep winning in November.
